Here Is A List Of SOPs For Those Living In States Affected By The MCO
The MCO will be enforced in Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Sabah, and all three Federal Territories.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 11 Jan 2021, 08:54 PM
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin just announced that a Movement Control Order (MCO) will be enforced in Penang, Selangor, Melaka, Johor, Sabah, and all three Federal Territories starting 13 January
He broke the news during a live address today, 11 January.
1. Social events are not allowed
The Prime Minister said, "To reduce the risk of infection and break this COVID-19 chain, social activities involving mass groups such as weddings, conferences, religious parades including on Thaipusam, meetings, seminars, courses, and group sports are not allowed at all."
2. Interstate and interdistrict travel is not allowed
Following the implementation of travel restrictions, roadblocks will be in force starting Wednesday, 13 January, at 12.01am.
3. Movement is limited to a 10KM radius
For purposes such as buying essential needs at nearby supermarkets or mini marts, only two people from the same household are allowed to be in the car at the same time.
The Prime Minister emphasised that anyone who goes against this rule will be liable to an RM1,000 fine.
4. The government has identified five industries as part of the essential economic sector
Companies under these sectors are allowed to operate during the MCO: manufacturing, construction, service, trade and distribution, as well as plantations and commodities.
However, only 30% of employees in the management level are allowed to be at the office and employers are to determine the number of employees permitted in the office at any one time. The Prime Minister said that they must take SOPs into consideration.
Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) will refine the details and announce them soon. For other companies that are not listed under the essential economic sectors, they must comply with the work from home order.
5. Dining in at restaurants is not allowed
During the MCO, all eateries and hawker stalls may operate but only takeaways are allowed. Food delivery services are also allowed to operate as usual.
6. Supermarkets, healthcare service providers, and banks are allowed to operate as usual
Muhyiddin Yassin explained that they are to abide by strict SOPs. Customers have to always wear masks, use hand sanitisers frequently, and observe physical distancing at all times.
"If there are no urgent or pressing reasons, then you don't have to go out," he added.
7. Students and SPM candidates are exempted from MCO travel restrictions
This involves SPM candidates for the year 2020 and 2021. The Ministry of Education will issue a detailed list of SOPs.
8. Only five committee members are allowed in mosques and other places of worship at a time
Other than that, people are not allowed to gather at places of worship.
9. People within the same household are allowed to carry out recreational activities outdoors such as jogging and cycling
"I realise that isolation for a long period of time can put stress on mental health. Thus, to ensure continuous good mental and physical health, you are allowed to leave the house for recreational activities with household members only. Always keep a 2m distance from others and if you want to go jogging, do not have more than two people at a time. If you want to go cycling, do not do it in groups. Only one person should be enough," the Prime Minister said.
